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India.com
4 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
Shubman Gill begins England series with a HEARTBREAK, India captain can't forget...
Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Shubman Gill is set to take over as new India Test captain. He will lead India in the five-match Test series against England beginning at Leeds on Friday. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Shubman Gill had won the IPL 2021 title with Gujarat Titans under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Shubman Gill has failed to win IPL title as captain and carries that heartache. In IPL 2025, Gill's GT lost to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator match. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Shubman Gill said winning England series is bigger than IPL. "IPL comes every year and you get to have a crack at it every year. In my opinion, winning a Test Series in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa (collectively SENA countries) is bigger," Gill said in the pre-match press conference. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Shubman Gill will take Virat Kohli's No 4 position. Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last month. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Shubman Gill said he took inputs from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli before England tour. "I met both of them in the IPL and they told me about their experiences, especially here in England, and some of the challenges that we might face here," Gill said. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) Rishabh Pant will be Shubman Gill's deputy in England series with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket.
Hans India
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Shubman Gill set to lead through tough transition
A new captain, a headstrong coach, a few from the old guard and some fresh faces will be determined to create a compelling narrative during the next 45 days when an in-transition India takes on an equally combustible England in a five-Test series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy starting here on Friday. That only three Indian teams -- Ajit Wadekar's batch of 1971, Kapil's Devils in 1986 and Rahul Dravid's sprightly bunch in 2007 -- have won a Test series in Old Blighty in the past nine decades doesn't make for a rosy picture. Neither does the fact that India's most devoted long-format cricketer of the past decade, Virat Kohli, has walked into Test sunset making the batting line-up look slightly thin on experience. For the 25-year-old Shubman Gill, this series will be nothing short of baptism by fire against an England side, which has changed the conventions of Test match batting under Brendon McCullum's coaching and Ben Stokes' captaincy. Gill's selection as India's 37th Test captain was more about what one could expect of him rather than what he has done as a batter and a leader in the traditional format. The 'Prince' does have his plate full and has a lot to prove. An unusually warm Leeds (maximum temperature on Friday could be 29 degree celsius) and the 8mm grass laden 22-yard surface at the Headingley isn't exactly a paradise for England's proverbial 'Bazballers' but this series will be about which batting unit blinks first under pressure. England's batting with Joe Root, owner of 13,000 plus Test runs including 36 hundreds, looks superior on paper compared to India as the visiting team's most experienced batter is KL Rahul (58 Tests, 3257 runs). But the presence of a peerless Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian bowling unit puts the visitors on even keel. This despite the pace spearhead being available for only three Tests. Despite the absence of Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who played his best Test cricket in the 2021 series, this could be India's best chance to put pressure on an English bowling line-up that wouldn't have the quality that James Anderson and Stuart Broad brought for two decades. While Karun Nair's comeback seems to be a given if one went by slip cordon's composition during practice, where he was stationed at first slip, there will be one more batting slot that needs to be fretted upon. Then there is the lure of playing Kuldeep Yadav, who can turn the ball irrespective of surfaces, but Ravindra Jadeja despite his shortcomings as a left-arm spinner in SENA countries is still a solid No. 7 batter.
India.com
8 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
India vs England 1st Test: Rishabh Pant Eyes Historic Feat In Headingley As MS Dhoni's Test Records Tumble
The much-anticipated five-match Test series between India and England kicks off on June 20 at Headingley, marking the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for the Men in Blue. With stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli hanging up their boots from the longest format, the responsibility of carrying India's legacy now rests on the young shoulders of captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant. For Pant, this tour is more than just a series—it's a shot at redemption and legacy. After a forgettable IPL 2025 campaign, the dashing southpaw returns to his favourite format, where he has consistently proven to be a match-winner. And this time, the stakes are higher than ever. Pant Eyes Historic MS Dhoni Record in Headingley Rishabh Pant is on the verge of etching his name in history books by overtaking MS Dhoni as the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test centuries. Both Pant and Dhoni currently have six Test tons to their names. If Pant manages to reach triple figures at Headingley, it will be his seventh—taking him past his idol and into uncharted territory. What makes the record even more tantalizing is Pant's knack for scoring against England. Three of his six Test centuries have come against the Three Lions, two of which were in English conditions—the Oval in 2018 and Edgbaston in 2022. His ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to swinging conditions sets him apart from most visiting batters. Records in Sight: Century Tally and SENA Supremacy Pant's ambition doesn't stop at centuries. He's also on the cusp of becoming the highest-scoring Asian wicketkeeper in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. With 1,681 runs in 26 Tests at an average of 37.35 in SENA nations, he's just one solid knock away from eclipsing MS Dhoni's tally of 1,732 runs from 32 Tests. For context, Dhoni's average in those challenging overseas conditions stood at 31.47 with 13 half-centuries. Pant, despite being younger and having played fewer matches, is already within touching distance—and his batting average suggests a higher consistency in difficult conditions. 800-Run Milestone in England: A Global Feat Pant is also chasing another massive feat—becoming the first non-English wicketkeeper to score over 800 Test runs in England. He currently has 511 runs in eight Tests at an average of 34.06. With five matches in the series, he needs just 289 more to reach the landmark. If achieved, this milestone would not only see him surpass Dhoni's run tally in England (currently 778) but also set a new benchmark for visiting wicketkeepers in Test history. It's a rare record that symbolizes endurance, class, and adaptability. Pant's Legacy and the Dhoni Shadow Often hailed as MS Dhoni's spiritual successor, Pant has lived under the towering shadow of the former Indian captain. However, this England series might be his long-awaited moment to step out and shine on his own terms. The symmetry of both players having left their mark in English conditions adds a poetic touch to Pant's quest. His previous knocks in the UK—particularly his Oval century in 2018 and the memorable Edgbaston ton in 2022—have already proven his mettle. Now, with the leadership mantle as vice-captain and the pressure of expectations, Pant has the perfect setting to elevate his career to legendary status.
India.com
9 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
Team Indias Playing XI For 1st Test Vs England: Wasim Jaffer Picks Shardul Thakur Ahead Of Nitesh Reddy
photoDetails english 2918649 India's playing XI for the first Test against England at Leeds, as predicted by Wasim Jaffer, reflects a transitional phase after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill leads the team, aiming to improve his SENA record. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal open, with debut options Abhimanyu Easwaran or Sai Sudharsan at No. 3. Karun Nair returns, while Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja strengthen the middle order. Shardul Thakur or Kuldeep Yadav may play at No. 8, with Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj forming the pace attack. Nitish Reddy was surprisingly excluded. Updated:Jun 20, 2025, 07:28 AM IST 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal: Maiden England Test Awaits Explosive Opener 1 / 11 Jaiswal's attacking style could redefine India's top-order approach in English conditions; his first red-ball outing in England is a must-watch for fans searching "India's new opener Test debut 2025." 2. KL Rahul: Veteran Presence After Kohli-Rohit Era Ends 2 / 11 As India's most experienced batter post-Kohli and Rohit, KL Rahul's form at the top will be crucial for stability—expect search spikes for "KL Rahul opening partner Leeds Test." 3. Abhimanyu Easwaran or Sai Sudharsan: No. 3 Dilemma Explained 3 / 11 Jaffer's indecision at No. 3—between Sudharsan's IPL form and Easwaran's red-ball consistency—feeds into the hot debate over "India No.3 batter in Test cricket 2025." 4. Shubman Gill: SENA Redemption Arc Starts Now 4 / 11 Leading the side and batting at No. 4, Gill's poor SENA record faces the ultimate test in Leeds—ideal for "Shubman Gill captaincy record overseas" queries. 5. Rishabh Pant: Wicketkeeper Returns to Revive Middle Order 5 / 11 Pant's inclusion adds flair and balance to India's XI, making his comeback from injury a major trend in "Rishabh Pant Test return 2025" discussions. 6. Karun Nair: Comeback After 7-Year Test Hiatus 6 / 11 The 303-run man is back! Karun Nair's unexpected return has fans revisiting his stats—boosting searches like "Karun Nair Test record since 2017." 7. Ravindra Jadeja: India's Spin Anchor and All-Round X-Factor 7 / 11 Jadeja's dual role as left-arm spinner and lower-order bat ensures balance—ideal for SEO traffic from "Jadeja vs England Test stats" queries. 8. Kuldeep Yadav or Shardul Thakur: All-Round Utility at No. 8 8 / 11 Jaffer's toss-up reflects India's strategy dilemma—go with Kuldeep's wrist spin or Shardul's seam and bat combo? Perfect bait for "India's all-rounder options in England." 9. Prasidh Krishna: Bounce, Pace, and a Leeds Debut? 9 / 11 The tall pacer's inclusion for his ability to exploit bounce has fans Googling 'Prasidh Krishna Test debut England conditions.' 10. Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Siraj: India's Lethal Pace Duo 10 / 11 Bumrah's accuracy meets Siraj's aggression in a potent pace pair—expect plenty of traffic around "Bumrah Siraj bowling attack vs England." 11 / 11
The Hindu
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Data Shows India Struggles Most When the Ball Swings Less in England: A Stats Feature
A new era for Indian Test cricket begins on June 20, when the side starts its five-match series against England in Leeds. For a new-look Indian batting order, now without the experience of the recently retired Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, English conditions will present a stern examination. Newly appointed captain Shubman Gill and his fellow batters will have their techniques tested by the moving ball in England's swing-friendly environment. Swing has long been a defining feature of Test cricket in England. This is enabled by the country's near-perpetual overcast skies, the generally lush and unabrasive outfields, and the firm nature of its pitches. These factors combine to ensure that swing persists throughout a Test match and is more pronounced on average than in any other SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) country. Notably, swing in England tends to remain consistent regardless of ball age. The red cherry continues to move more in the air across innings than it typically does elsewhere in the SENA group. This phenomenon is further amplified by the use of the Dukes ball. Its pronounced seam and greater durability allow for more sustained and pronounced movement in the air. Conversely, reverse swing is relatively rare in England. The milder weather and softer outfields reduce the chances of the ball scuffing up enough to reverse appreciably. For Indian batters, who have grown up playing in conditions far less conducive to swing, the English question has long been a perplexing one. India's top-order batters have averaged just 30.31 in England across 121 Tests since 1932 — their second-lowest return in any country, ahead of only South Africa (28.88). While Indian batting began to improve in England in the 1970s and peaked in the 2000s, the trend has reversed in recent times. Since 2010, India has played 23 Tests in England — across four bilateral series and two World Test Championship finals. In these matches, its top-order average has slumped to 28.69 — only four teams have fared worse in that span. It is also India's third-lowest average in any country during this period. Interestingly, India's struggles are more pronounced when the ball swings less. Since 2010, Indian top-seven batters in England average just 25.23 when the ball swings under 0.75° — only West Indies has done worse. India's averages remain subpar even in higher swing brackets (0.75–1.50° and 1.50–2.25°). Virat Kohli summed up the challenge of batting in England during the 2021 series: 'You can never say in England that now you are set. You have to put your ego in your pocket. You need good decision-making because conditions in England are the toughest in the world, in my opinion.' Kohli's own journey in England was marked by extremes. In 2014, he averaged just 13.40 across five Tests. Four years later, he bounced back with a superb 593-run series, including two centuries and three fifties. That turnaround, Kohli said, came from understanding that batting in England demands sustained focus: 'The conditions are not like in other places where, once you reach 30 or 40, you can start picking balls to hit. In England, you have to bat the way you did for your first 30 runs and repeat the same template for as long as possible. This discipline and patience are essential. If you're not patient in England, you can get out at any time — regardless of your experience or the number of runs you have.' While this advice is sound in theory, executing it is far from easy — especially for a largely inexperienced Indian line-up in 2025. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Washington Sundar are all yet to play a Test in England. One small consolation for the visitor is the absence of England's legendary swing duo — James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The pair has taken a combined 169 wickets against India at home, at an average of just 23.41. Even so, for Gill and company, this series promises to be as tough a baptism as Test cricket gets. Related Topics India vs England
